Westminster Annotations, Zechariah 1

Westminster Annotations · Zechariah 1

ANNOTATIONS ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. IN the eighth monethmonth] Two moneths after Haggai began to prophesie, Haggai 1. 1. when as the Jews were in ill state, through famine, and the work of the Temple but newly taken in hand.

in the second year of Darius] Who was the sonne of Hystaspis, called Artaxashta. See upon Ezra 4. 24. Hag. 1. 1.

Zechariah] This was not that Zechariah, whereof is mention, 2 Chron. 24. 20. but had the same name, and is called the sonne of Berechiah; because he came of those progenitors, as of Jojadah, or Berechiah and Iddo.

the prophet] Which is to be referred to Zechariah, and not to Iddo, though there was one of that name a Prophet.

V. 2. sore displeased] Heb. with displeasure. He speaketh this to affright them with Gods judgements, that they should not provoke him as their fathers had done, whom he so grievously punished.

V. 3. Turn ye unto me] Mal. 3. 7. Let your fruits declare that you are Gods people, and that he hath wrought in you by his Spirit, and mortified you: for else man hath no power to return to God, but God must convert him; as Jerem. 31. 18. Lam. 5. 21.

I will turn unto you] I will again make you feel the effects of my grace and favour.

V. 4. Turn ye now from your evill wayes] Isa. 31. 6. Jer. 3. 12. and 18. 11. Ezek. 18. 30. Hos. 14. 1.

V. 5. where are they] Though your fathers be dead, yet Gods judgements in punishing them ought still to be before your eyes: and though the prophets be dead, yet their doctrine remaineth for ever, 2 Pet. 1. 15.

V. 6. my words and my statutes] The accomplishment of their prophesies after their death, hath shewen sufficiently that their words died not with them: and your fathers in their calamities acknowledged as much, and began to turn to God: and it is fitting for you to follow them therein, and to accomplish it.

take hold] Or, overtake. That is, overtake and catch them, (as huntsmen the prey, or one enemy another in flight) though they sought means to make their escape.

they returned] It may be, repented, or were better advised, and came to the right knowledge of their estate; as Mal. 3. 18.

Like as, &c.] Lam. 1. 18.

V. 7. the monethmonth Sebat] Which containeth part of January, and part of February.

V. 8. I saw by night] A time fit and usuall for such revelations.

a man] The Sonne of God appearing in humane shape, as Chap. 3. 2. Captain of the Lords Host, Josh. 5. 14. in likenesse of an horsman, ready appointed to make out for his, who as Archangel, Jude 9. and Captain of their host or chief, sendeth his Angels, and they give him an account, vers. 11.

a red horse] Why red? In the same sense that this colour is given to his garments, Isa. 63. 1, 2, 3, &c. and to the Angels Horse, Revel. 6. 4. Junius interpreteth it, fiery, to signifie Gods fiery anger against the enemies of his people; the execution of which he came to tell the Prophet of.

the myrtle-trees] which represent the Church, composed of weak and low plants, but holy and precious ones, as the myrtle-tree is. Rev. 1. 13.

in the bottom] By this property of the Myrtle-tree that delighteth in valleys, and Sea-shores, and rivers sides, is signified the lowly and abject condition of the Church in this world; and particularly the subjection it was then in, under the Persian Empire.

behinde him] That is, behind the man riding on the red horse, as Attendants, Captains and Skouts.

red horses] With horsmen upon them, which were created Angels, Ministers, and Warriers under their head; see Psal. 68. 17. Now by these colours, it seems may be understood the Angels severall services: the red ones for punishment, the white ones for grace, and the speckled ones for chastisement in visitation.

speckled] Or, bay.

V. 9 the angel] It seems to be the same as was among the Myrtle-trees; namely, the Sonne of God, who appeared in this vision in both these qualities, of head of the Church on horseback, and of her Prophet in shape of an Angel.

V. 10. walk to and fro through the earth] As his posts and messengers, to take notice of the state of the world, and to make relation to him of it.

V. 11. all the earth fitteth still] All other nations are in peace and prosperitie: onelyonly thy people cannot recover themselves of their late calamities.

is at rest] Or, is inhabited.

V. 12. angel of the LORD] Namely, the Sonne of God, who is intercessour to the Father for the safetie of the Church.

threescore and ten years] Jer. 25. 12. & 29. 10. Dan. 9. 2. Of the captivitie, as Zach. 7. 5. according to the prophecie of Jer. 25. 11. & 29. 10. the ruines of which lasted yet, though the people were set at libertie long before.

V. 13. good words] With such promises as tended to the reliefe of the present miseries they were in.

V. 14. jealous for Jerusalem] Chap. 8. 2. Though for a time God deferre his help and comfort from his Church; yet this declareth that he loveth them still most dearly, as a most mercifull father his children; or an husband his wife; and when it is expedient for them, his help is ever ready.

V. 15. a little displeased] I was willing to punish my people by their means, but with a moderation, a little time befitting the end; which was to correct them, and according to my mercy toward them: But the instruments which I have made use of therein, have added their rage, and the excesses of their crueltie thereunto: not containing themselves within the limits of my revealed will: though they could not go beyond my secret permission. See Isa. 47. 6.

V. 16. returned to Jerusalem] I went away, and hid me from it, in my anger, Hos. 5. 15. but am come againe with many comforts, and tender mercles to relieve it.

a line shall be stretched forth] That is, her buildings shall be reedified, and made up again.

V. 17. My cities] Not this onelyonly of Jerusalem, but others also round about of inferiour note.

through prosperitie] Heb. good. That is, plentifull increase of men, cattell, and all manner of fruits of the earth, as Chap. 2. 4.

shall yet be spread abroad] Notwithstanding the mean and poore estate which the whole countrey is now in; it shall be replenished with such abundance, that, your places shall be full and runne over: as vessels and fountains that have more then they can hold, as Prov. 5. 16.

yet comfort Zion] Shall confirme and renew the right and priviledge which he had granted her, of being the place of his residence. See Isa. 14. 1. Zach. 2. 12.

V. 18. foure horns] A figure of the Churches enemies, which had set upon her from the foure corners of the world: Or of the foure Monarchies, by which she had been, and should be oppressed, untill Christs coming, Dan. 2. 37. and 7. 3. Now by these hornes must be meant iron hornes, such as warriours did weare upon their helmets: and therefore fit workmen are brought in to break them.

V. 20. foure carpenters] These Carpenters or Smithes, as 1 Sam. 13. 19. are a figure of the instruments, which ruined those enemies, that persecuted the Church; and declare that no enemies horne is so strong, but God hath an hammer to break it in pieces.

V. 21. so that no man] So that they have easily brought it to passe, seeing none had power to resist them.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. I Lift up mine eyes again] In a vision.

a man with a measuring-line] The Sonne of God in humane shape, as appeareth by vers. 9. 11. This vision setteth forth the great enlargement of the Church under the Messias. See Isa. 54. 2. 3. & 60. 4. 11.

V. 3. the angel that talked with me] He that had the line in his hand.

another angel went out to meet him] Namely, a created Angel.

V. 4. said unto him] He that was the Son of God, commanded the other, who was but a creature, to expound the vision of the line to the Prophet.

shall be inhabited] The number of those that shall come thither shall be so great, that it wil be impossible to encompasse the citie with walls large enough. Figurative termes, to signifie the infinite number of beleevers, which shall be called into the Church, by the preaching of the Gospel.

V. 5. wall of fire round about] That is, an impregnable wall and defence, which none can passe through.

and will be] Isa. 60. 19.

the glory in the midst of her] My presence in spirit, grace, and power, shall make it glorious, as the residence of a King is glory to the royall citie: Or as formerly in the desert, the glory of God shewed it selfe in the signes of the pillar, and of the cloud.

V. 6. Ho, ho,] He exhorteth all the Jews, whereof many for ease and carnall inticements stayed in Babylon, to return to Jerusalem: and by this figure, all the elect, to leave the world, and the corruptions thereof, to come into Christs Church.

and flee from the land] Isa. 48. 20. & 52. 11. Jer. 50. 8. & 51. 6. 45. Revel. 18. 4

for I have spread you] Babylon cannot be your countrey, nor a blessed and holy abode for you: seeing I sent you thither to exile, and punishment: wherefore, when I set you at libertie, make use of my benefit.

V. 7. Deliver thy self] Come forth speedily, that thou maist not be infolded in her totall ruine. See Jer. 51. 6. 45. Act. 2. 40.

V. 8. After the glory] A terme taken from that which was ordained in the desert, namely, that all the people should move and follow the cloudy pillar; in which God appeared in majestie, when it stirred, Exod. 40. 36. Num. 9. 17. The meaning is, let all my faithfull ones follow through the deserts of this world the guidance of my word, and Spirit, residing and divinely shining in my Church, by which they may be conducted to the firme seat of glory, which is the heavenly Jerusalem.

hath he sent me unto the nations] Words of the Sonne of God, speaking of his Father.

toucheth you] Deut. 32. 10.

apple of his eye] Ye are so deare unto God, that he can no more suffer your enemies to hurt you, then a man can abide to have his eye-ball touched, Psal. 17. 8.

V. 9. mine hand upon them] Wherein there is a rod of iron, to rule and crush the heathen your enemies, Psal. 2.

they shall be a spoil] They shall be your servants, as you have been theirs. A figure of the Churches victory over the world, which before had oppressed her, and kept her in bondage.

hath sent me] To declare and performe these promises, as Mediatour, and protector of the Church.

V. 10. Sing and rejoyce] Isa. 12. 6. & 54. 1.

I will dwell in the midst of thee] Levit. 26. 12. Ezek. 37. 27. 2 Cor. 6. 16.

V. 11. in that day] Namely, in the Churches reestablishment by the Messias, figured by the deliverance out of Babylon.

my people] As well as the naturall Jew, according to the law, Exod. 12. 49.

sent me unto thee] As before, vers. 9. and here repeated for their further assurance.

V. 12. shall inherit Judah] He shall hold his elect, which are the true spirituall Judah, for his proper and peculiar people, and as such which he shall love, governe, and preserve. See Exod. 34. 9.

in the holy land] That is, in the Church.

and shall choose Jerusalem] Isa. 14. 1. Zach. 1. 17.

V. 13. Be silent] Hab. 2. 20. Zeph. 1. 7. Bragge not, threaten not, dispute not, doubt not, O weak men who may not compare their wisdome, or oppose their strength to Gods, who is able and well skilled to bring to passe all his promises.

raised up] Awaked, as a man out of sleep, Psal. 24. 23.

his holy habitation] Heb. the habitation of his holinesse. That is, heaven, as it is interpreted, Deut. 26. 15. from whence God would now send help for his people: Or the Temple, which was likewise Gods habitation, 1 Sam. 2. 29. and though now it were contemptible, not halfe built, yet was it holy: and thence as out of a strong fort, God would shew himselfe for the defence of his Church.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. SHewed me Joshua] In a vision. The end whereof is to shew, that in the restauration of the Temple, and of the service of God, it was first of all necessary to have those persons, which were to be employed therein, reconciled to God, and cleansed from the pollution which they had gotten in Babylon: And that likewise the Church, represented here by Joshua, a chiefe officer of it, should be readmitted into Gods favour, to the end that the service which she should yeeld to him, might be accepted: which is figured by a forme of judgement, wherein Joshua is by the Lord absolved, and afterwards sanctified.

standing] Like unto a man accused before a Judge.

before the angel] Namely, before the Sonne of God, who is both Judge and Advocate, and defender of those that beleeve in him, in this judgement, 1 Joh. 2. 1.

Sa…an standing at his right hand] That is, an adversarie. The adversarie, the malicious accuser of the faithfull to God: against whom he complains, pretending to be zealous of having justice done… though he be onelyonly moved through an envious, and malignant rage, Rev. 12. 10. See Psal. 109. 6. Job. 1. 6. which act agreeth with his name in Hebrew in this place.

to resist him] Heb. to be his adversarie. To frustrate his prayers and intercession, by interposing his most bitter accusation against him and the Jews. What this accusation was, appears plainly by the 3. and 4. verses.

V. 2. the LORD said unto Satan] Namely, the Sonne of God, who was before called Angel.

The LORD rebuke thee] Jude 9. That is, my everlasting Father rebuke and confound thee, in this malitious opposition which thou makest against my Church. See Jude 9. the same words spoken upon an other occasion.

that hath chosen Jerusalem] Hereby is intimated and shewen the chiefe foundation and ground of the Churches absolution; here represented by Joshua: which is, that God from all eternitie, hath out of his meere grace chosen his elect to salvation, Rom. 8. 33.

is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire]. Namely, this small company which Joshua represents, a reservation of my grace, which I have reserved out of my people, whom I have caused to passe through the fire of my judgements? Amos 4. 11. See Rom. 11. 5. And therefore towards them my decree of grace shall stand firme and invariable.

V. 3. with filthy garments] Or, vile garments: An ordinarie sign of sinne. as a white and cleare garment is a signe of Christs righteousnesse, put on by faith: and of the regeneration of the spirit to newnesse of life. See Ezek. 16. 8. 10. Revel. 3. 4. 18. & 7. 14.

stood before the angel] Christ did not abhorre his presence, nor reject his service: so gratious is he to respect his Saints, notwithstanding their many infirmities, and to accept their obedience, though mingled and stained with much corruption.

V. 4. unto those that stood before him] Namely, to the created Angels, his ministers… to shew that Christ, who onelyonly hath power to forgive sinnes, doth therein imploy the holy Ministery for an instrument. See 2 Cor. 5. 18.

Take away the filthy garments] In respect of the glorious garments and precious stones that the Priests did weare before the captivitie: and by this contemptible state the Prophet signifieth that these small beginnings should be made excellent when Christ shall make the full restitution of his Church.

I have caused thine iniquitie to passe from thee] This hath relation to two spirituall effects: The one is, that by Christs satisfaction, sinne is taken away from before the eyes of God: that is, is not imputed to condemnation: though the corruption be not altogether blotted out in man, during this life. See Psal. 32. 1, 2. The other is, that Christ his merit, and righteousnesse is applyed to the beleever to life; and that by his Spirit he putteth on the new man in righteousnesse and holinesse, Gal. 3. 27. Col. 3. 10.

V. 5. Let them set a faire mitre upon his head] A priestly ornament for the head, Exod. 28. 4. to shew that God besides his grace, which was common to all the members of his Church, did also adorn him with the gifts of his Spirit, befitting his Priestly charge, that the dignitie of the Priest-hood might be perfect. This was fulfilled in Christ, who was both Priest and King; and here all such are condemned that can content themselves with any meane reformation in religion.

stood by] As it were to have this his sentence put in execution. Whereby is signified Christs assistance to the work of the Ministery: As, to that also seemeth to be referred his speaking alone in this place: to shew that he alone doth all the work, and doth all things in all men, and that he can alone pronounce the sentence, and comfort the soule by his Spirit.

V. 7. charge] Or, ordinance.

then shalt thou judge my house] I will keep thee in thy Priestly degree: of which the two chief parts were the government in Ecclesiasticall businesses, and concerning the worship of God, according as it is set down in the Law, Deut. 17. 12. 2 Chron. 19. 11. and the chief and continuall ministery of holy things

I will give thee] After all this I will gather thee up into my heavenly glory with mine Angels, the likenesse of which thou beholdest here in this vision.

places] Heb. walks.

V. 8. thy fellows] Namely, the inferiour Priests.

for they are men wondred at] Heb. men of wonder. I have appointed you to be in your own persons and actions, a sign and representation of my Churches reestablishment by the Messias, of which I will give you a particular instruction.

for behold] He giveth a reason why he had tearmed them signes and figures: namely, because that in Christ was the accomplishment.

I will bring forth] I will shortly send my Sonne into the world, who shall take upon him the forme of a servant, to accomplish the work of redemption, Phil. 2. 7.

my servant] Isa. 42. 1. & 52. 13. Ezek. 34. 23.

BRANCH] Isa. 11. 1. Jer. 23. 5. & 33. 15. Chap. 6. 12. Luk. 1. 78. A frequent name of the Messias. See upon Isa. 4. 2.

V. 9. For behold] The end of the sending of my Son shall be to lay the foundation of my Church upon him, who was the fundamentall and corner stone, Psal. 118. 22. Isa. 28. 16. figured by some especiall stone which was solemnly put into the fabrick of the Temple, and in the presence of the Priests, when it begun to be built up again. See Chap. 4. 7. 10.

upon one stone] Isa. 28. 16. As that materiall stone hath been set in the sight of Joshua, and of other Priests: So shall the eyes of my providence, 2 Chron. 16. 9. which is infinite and universall, here signified by the number of seven, Chap. 4. 10. and 5. 6. & 9. 1. be alwayes fixed upon Christ, to maintain, favour and cause him to prosper in his Kingdome. See Isa. 42. 6. and 49. 8. and 51. 16.

I will engrave] Words of God the Father, who hath appointed his Sonne to be Mediatour, and hath conferred upon his humane nature all the gifts of his Spirit, for to performe it. See Dan. 2. 34. 44. Heb. 9. 11.

I will remove the iniquitie] As in Joshua, newly made fi… to undertake the Priesthood againe; I have sanctified all my Church: So by one onelyonly oblation of my Sonne, who was eternally consecrated High Priest, I will purge all the sinnes of my Church. See Heb. 9. 12. & 10. 12. 14.

in one day] This is opposite to the figurative sacrifices, which were many times reiterated. See Heb. 7. 27. & 9. 26. 28. and 10. 10.

V. 10. shall ye call every man] A figure of the spirituall peace and rest of the Church, redeemed, and reconciled to God by Christ, Mic. 4. 4.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. AGain] The fourth time admonished me to be hold another vision of God: It is likely that there was some space of time between these visions, during which time, the Prophet in his extasie was as it were asleep, that is to say, without any light of prophetick revelation, without any action, or motion of the Spirit to him.

awaked me] That is, rowsed up my weary and distracted thoughts, to fresh and further attention.

V. 2. a candlestick all of gold] It seems he would shew the mysticall meaning of Moses his candlestick, Exod. 25. 31. to the description of the making whereof, here are some parts added, belonging to the mysterie. The candlestick is the Church: The bowl above it is Christ, who hath received of the Father the fulnesse of the Spirit, signified by the oyle, to powre it upon his Church, Joh. 1. 16. & 3. 34. Act. 2. 33. And as the oyle is pressed out of the olive, which is, as it were, the lively spring of it: so all these gifts and graces proceed from that, that Christ hath been anointed, and consecrated for an everlasting King and Priest. The seven lamps are the severall operations of the Spirit in the faithfull, all in fervencie of life and motion, and in light of faith and understanding: whose chiefe use is, to carry the lamp of Gods word in the world, and to cause his glory to shine therein, Matth. 5. 15, 16. Phil. 2. 15. The seven pipes are the severall means of the communication of the spirituall, and mysticall power of Christ, to his members, Ephes. 4. 16.

with a bowl] Heb. with her bowl.

seven pipes to the seven lamps] Heb. seven and seven. Or, seven severall pipes to the lamps, &c. Or, each lamp had seven pipes. Which you must imagine to be in the bottome of the bowl, to distribute the oyle to each lamp.

V. 5. Knowest thou not what these be] This is spoken to enflame the Prophets desire to know the truth of it, and to shew him that this was the meaning of Moses his ancient candlestick, of which he might by inspiration have learned the signification.

V. 6. This is the word of the LORD] This vision is especially directed to Zerubbabel, to strengthen him in his charge of Politique head of the people: as the other was for Joshua, the Ecclesiasticall head.

Not by might] Or, army. I have caused thee to see in this figure, that the subsistence of my Church is not in the same kind as that of worldly Empires, in force of armes and power, but in a lively internall action of my Spirit: Wherefore be not dismayed in thy mind, O Zerubbabel, if worldly strength do faile thee, my Spirit and power shall supply all: as well for the reestablishing of the materiall Temple, as for the spirituall conduct and preservation of the Church. See Hos. 1. 7.

V. 7. Who art thou] The Empires which oppresse the Church, though they be great, yet shall they be beaten down by the stone, Dan. 23. 4. which is Christ, figured by Zerubbabel. See Chap. 14. 10.

he shall bring forth] It shall be shown to the world at the appointed▪ time, and exa…ted above all worldly greatnesse, Dan. 2. 35.

the head-stone] Or corner-stone▪ or front-stone. See Psal. 118. 22. Ephes. 2. 20.

with shoutings] The Angels, the faithfull and all creatures shall rejoyce at Christs Kingdome, established in the world, and shall desire God the Father to heap all manner of blessings and happinesse upon it. See Psal. 11…. 26. Or they shall acknowledge, and preach that the …ather hath la…d up in him all the treasures of his grace, and gifts of his Spirit, Joh. 1. 16.

V. 9. laid the foundation of this house] Ezra 3. 10.

finish it] Ezra 6. 15.

know that the LORD] Seeing that the Lord, vers. 8. is he that saith that the Lord had sent him; we must of necessitie conclude that there are here two persons; the one the Sonne, who is sent; and the other the Father, that sendeth him; both one onelyonly and everlasting God, Isa. 48. 16. Zach. 2. 8. See the like speech, Gen. 19. 24.

sent me unto you] Chap. 2. 11.

V. 10. For who hath despised small things] A reproof of many Jews profane contempt, in those weak beginnings of the Churches restauration.

for they shall rejoyce] Or, sith the seven eyes of the LORD shall rejoyce. Notwithstanding all their disdain and diffidence, they shall one day have occasion to rejoyce, seeing the work perfected.

plummet in the hand] Heb. stone of tinne. He seems to mean the little line, with a plummet to it, which wall-builders do use to level their work with.

th…se seven] Of which, Chap. 3. 9. and 5. 6. The meaning is, my providence shall as soveraign architect oversee this worke, whose director Zerubbabel is, to blesse it, direct it, and accomplish it.

they are the eyes] Chap. 3. 9. 2 Chron. 16. 9.

V. 12. I answered again] It seems that in this vision, when the mysterie of the constitution of the Church by the Messias was shewn to the Prophet; he saw two great olive trees, vers. 3. but when God called him back to that which belonged to the reedifying of the materiall Temple by Zerubbabel, the resemblance of these two trees was suddenly changed into the resemblance of two small branches: to signifie Zerubbabel, and Joshua, figures of Christ in his Kingdome and Priesthood: Wherefore likewise it is no more said, that they give oyle into the great bowl, but onelyonly to the lamps, by two little spouts: to shew the difference that there is between Christ, the Authour, possessour, and distributer of the fulnesse of the goods of the Spirit, in inward efficacie; and his Ministers, as well in the Ecclesiasticall as Politick order (which are the two spouts) who have but a small▪ measure of gifts; nor any propertie or power to administer by vertue of those two foresaid orders, any thing but the externall means of the influence of Christs mysticall, universall, and effectuall guidance of his Church.

through] Heb. by the hand.

emptie] Or, emptie out of themselves oyl into the gold.

the golden oyl] Heb. the gold. Namely, the pure yellow oyl, which did shine like gold.

V. 14. These are the] He doth not answer concerning the question of the olive trees, but onelyonly concerning the olive branches; for by understanding of these▪ it is an easie matter to comprehend the meaning of the olive trees, by comparison, and proportion.

two anointed ones] Heb. sonnes of oyl. Namely, Zerubbabel and Joshua, two sacred persons, by reason of the holy unction, to be Gods Ministers, and figures of Christ.

by the Lord] Or, before, as Chap. 6. 5.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. AFlying roll] Of paper, or other stuffe to write upon, after the ancient manner: This roll, or book, signified Gods judgements upon his people, pronounced by his Prophets: the flying of it, the swift execution of them: the greatnesse, the weight and long-lastingnesse of them.

V. 3. curse that goeth forth] Gods curse thrown upon all the land of Israel and Judah.

every one that stealeth] Or, every one of this people that stealeth, holdeth himself guiltlesse, as it doth. Or, every one that stealeth being written on this side shall be cut off, according to it: and every one that sweareth, being written on that side, shall be cut off according to it▪ See Ezek. 2. 10.

on this side] God hath punished all the sinnes; as well those which were against the second Table of the Law, as those that were against the first: all comprehended under these two kinds of swearing, and theft. Others expound it, on that side: that is to say, according to the prediction, happened the execution. See Ezek. 5. 4.

according to it] That is, according to that curse.

V. 4. I will bring it forth] God will see his own law executed.

enter into the house of the thief] It shall inevitably seise upon them, even there, where they think themselves most secure.

remain in the midst of his house] He shall neither keep it out, nor drive it out, so long as the sinne remaineth unrepented, or unreformed; but the judgement that hath seised on his person or family, shall remain on him or them.

consume it] Shall bring to utter ruine them and their whole estates, which they have got together by rapine, sacriledge, and perjurie.

V. 5. that goeth forth] That appeareth again to thee in vision.

V. 6. an ephah] A figure of the just measure of Gods judgements.

This is] It seems that the Angel turned to that apparition of the Lord, which did represent his providence: and shewed it to the Prophet.

resemblance] Or, eye. Namely, of the three Persons of the most holy Trinitie: as Gen. 1. 26. & 3. 22. & 11. 7. & Isa. 6. 8. By this resemblance, or eye, is meant Gods universall providence, Chap. 3. 9. & 4. 10. & 9. 1. 2 Chron. 16. 9. which is president over his judgements.

V. 7. talent of lead] Or, weightie piece. The woman sitting in the ephah, is sinne, which by little and little filleth up the measure: and the same woman thrown into the midst of it, is sinne punished, and beaten down: the talent of lead is the immoveable decree for the punishing of the wicked; and the weight of the judgement.

V. 9. two women] A figure, as it should seeme, of Gods two properties; namely, mercy toward his, and justice toward his enemies: wherewith he transferreth upon these last (to wit, his enemies) the judgements by which he had punished his owne people: which is done with admirable celeritie.

V. 11. To build it an house] To remove the iniquitie, and afflictions that came for the same, from Judah, to place it for ever in Shinar; to wit, Babylon, Gen. 10. 10. & 11. 2. Whereby are meant all Gods and the Churches enemies.

it shall be established] Hereby is shewn the irrevocable eternitie of the punishments of the wicked; opposite to the termined, and short lasting chastisements of the Church, figure… before by the flying roll.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. FOure chariots] Whereby are signified, as it were, foure squadrons of Angels, which execute Gods judgements upon the Churches enemies. See Chap. 1. 8.

between two mountains] By the bras…n mountaines he meaneth the eternall counsell and providence of God, whereby he hath from before all eternitie decreed what shall come to passe; and that which neither Satan nor all the world can alter. Others by two mountains understand heaven, the high and firme habitation of Angels, opened, and as it were cleft, to give way for the coming out of these spirits.

V. 2. red horses] A signe of execution of wrath, Chap. 1. 8. Rev. 6. 4.

black horses] A sign of execution of death, Rev. 6. 5.

V. 3. white horses] See upon Chap. 1. 8.

bay horses] Or, strong. Heb. strong, or strengthened. To wit, by God, for the execution of his will; and so may be as a common Epithet to all these horses, as is perceived by the eighth verse.

V. 5. the foure spirits] Or, winds. Foure principall Angels, as it were, commanders of squadrons, who are sent from God into all the quarters of the world, and from thence repaire againe into his presence.

from standing before the Lord] Who stand in the presence of God, waiting his commands, ready to go forth in the speedy execution of his eternall counsels and decrees: as is most plain, Job 1. 6. & 2. 1. 1 King. 22. 19. Dan. 7. 10. and above, Zach. 1. 10. Matth. 18. 10. Heb. 1. 14.

V. 6. go forth into the north-countrey] Signifying the grievous executions of Gods judgements done upon the Babylonians, Northward to Judea, vers. 8.

and the white go forth after them] The Angels of safety and of peace, which did accompany the destroyers of Babylon, to deliver my Church which was there.

and the grisled go forth toward the south countrey] Signifying▪ that the punishment of Egypt, south to Judea, should be tempered with some mercy, which should not be done to the Babylonians.

V. 7. the bay went forth] Or, these strong.

and sought to go] To make, as it were, a generall visitation of the world, and to punish other people, which have not any communion with the Church.

he said] The Sonne of God, head of Angels, Chap. 1. 8.

V. 8. have quieted my spirit] By punishing the Chaldeans, mine anger ceased, and you were delivered. Others, have perfectly executed their charge, and given me satisfaction.

V. 10. Take of them of the captivitie] The aime of all this action, is to shew, that as Joshua and Zerubbabel, restorers of the Church which was at that time, were each one, for their severall part, in their severall office, figures of the Messias: So Christ should for ever enjoy the two offices of King and Priest, which he shall enter into possession of by his death, and passion.

Heldai] It is not certainly known who these were: but it is very likely they were some heads of the people, who were induced by Zachariah to make this offering of gold and silver, which was bestowed in making these crowns, which were to remain in the Temple for a remembrance of this solemn promise which God had made.

go into the house of Josiah] To have from him a part of this offering.

V. 11. Then take] Or, even take.

crowns] Two, to signifie the two foresaid offices.

head of Joshua] Because this could not be attributed to any one according to the law, therefore it followeth that Zerubbabel and Joshua must represent the Messiah, who was both King, and Priest.

V. 12. Behold the man] Christ, who shall appear in the flesh, at the appointed time, shall be verified that which is shewn and confirmed unto thee by this action.

BRANCH] Chap. 3. 8.

grow up out of his place] Or, branch up from under him. Like a plant, that sprouts up, and grows by vertue of its living root: even so shall Christ, by vertue of himself, without any humane m…ans, advance his kingdome. Or, he shall grow up from under himself: that is to say, by secret wayes, without any humane shew▪ as Isa. 11. 1.

temple of the LORD] Namely, the universall Church, gathered together, united and built up by him alone, Heb. 3. 3.

V. 13. shall build the temple of the LORD] In the qualitie of a king, even as those temporall Commanders, Moses, Solomon, and Z…rubbabel were chosen by God, to oversee the building of the Tabernacle, and the Temple.

shall bear the glory] Namely, the royall glory.

upon his throne] In the heavenly glory, where he shall eternally execute the other part, to wit, his priesthood, in making intercession for his Church, Heb. 9. 24.

and he shall be a priest upon his throne] Psal. 110. 4. Heb. 3. 1. Or, there shall be.

counsel of peace] These two offices and properties shall for ever be united together in Christ, and shall perfectly agree one with the other, though they seem to be very different: the one being to execute justice in commanding and punishing; the other of mercy, to expiate and pardon, that he may be obeyed when he commands, Psal. 130. 4. having put men into Gods favour, to make them receive the spirit, which inclineth them to a voluntary obedience.

V. 14. Helem] It is likely that Helem and Hen were the same as were called Heldai and Josiah, vers. 10.

a memoriall] For a publique monument and remembrance; either of their liberalitie and pietie in offering gold and silver unto Christ; or of their incredulitie and hardnesse of heart, who would not beleeve the promises without such a visible assurance; or of the typicall coronation of Joshua, that the crowns, as they were set upon his head for to signifie the Messiah, so should they be hung up in the Temple for a monument, to put all spectators in mind of what was promised, and to be expected shortly: Or, as Junius, to be a testimonie and confirmation of Gods favourable acceptance of all such as should come from a farre to worship in the Temple, and joyn themselves to the people of God; whether from Babylon, as these Jews here named, or elsewhere from among the Gentiles, as is inferred in the next verse.

V. 6. they that are farre off shall come] That is, the Gentiles, who were now farre from the knowledge and covenant of God, Isa. 57. 19. Ephes. 2. 17.

built in the Temple of the LORD] They shall cooperate to the reestablishing of the Church, and advancement of Christs kingdome. See Isa. 60. 10.

And this shall come to passe] You shall in effect find, to your owne deliverance, the truth and power of Gods promises, which I his Sonne do propound to you by my Prophets.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 1. CHisten] Which containeth part of November and part of December.

V. 2. When they had sent] Namely, the Priests and Levites, who yet remained in Babylon.

to pray before the LORD] Heb. to intreat the face of the LORD. To wit, in the Temple, which was in reedifying in Jerusalem.

V. 3. Should I weep in the fifth monethmonth] Are we in conscience to keep the solemne fast, appointed to be in the fifth monethmonth, by reason of the destruction of the Temple, which happened at that time, 2 King. 25. 8, 9. Jer. 52. 12, 13. now that it is reedified, and Gods service restored, seeing the keeping of it is not commanded in the law of God? See Mal. 3. 14.

separating my self] From feasts, company of women, and all other carnall delights. See Exod. 19. 14, 15. 1 Sam. 21. 5.

V. 5. priests] For there were both of the people and of the Priests, which doubted as touching this controversie, besides them which yet remained in Chaldea, and reasoned of it, as of one of the points of their religion.

fasted and mourned] Isa. 58. 5.

seventh monethmonth] This other fast was appointed for the death of Gedaliah, which happened in this monethmonth, 2 King. 25. 25. Jer. 41. 1, &c. whereupon followed the totall dispersion of the remainder of the people.

seventie yeers] During the captivitie▪ Chap. 1. 12.

unto me] To humble your selves, and turne with your hearts to me: was it not onelyonly through a carnall feeling of your evils? Isa. 58. 3. Hos. 7. 14.

V. 6. And when ye did eat] Yea in your mirth and rejoycing you have not regarded me, to yeeld me honour and thanks for my benefits, Hos. 8. 13. and 9. 4. Now the answer to the foresaid question is referred to this point; Your fast might be sanctified by piety, and devotion, but you had better to omit it, then profane it as ye do: and in stead of your ceremonies, endevour your selves to serve God internally, by means of which, I will change these your dolefull dayes, into dayes of feasting, and giving thanks for my benefits, Chap. 8. 19.

did not ye eat, &c.] Or, be not ye they that, &c.

V. 7. Should ye not heare the words] Or, are not these the words. Hath not God sufficiently declared his will concerning these externall actions, and especially concerning a fast, profaned through wickednesse? Isa. 58. 3, 4.

by the former prophets] Heb. by the hand of, &c.

Jerusalem was inhabited] Or, on foot: or, in it former state.

the south and the plain] Those parts of Judea, which had most felt the desolations of warre. See Jer. 17. 26. and 32. 44.

V. 9. Execute true judgement] Heb. Judge judgement of truth. He sheweth that they did not fast with a sincere heart, but for hypocrisie; and that it was not done of a pure religion, because that they lacked these offices of charitie, which should have declared that they were godly, Matth. 23. 23. Mic. 6. 8.

V. 10. oppresse not the widow] Exod. 22. 21, 22. Isa. 1. 23. Jer. 5. 28.

V. 11. pulled away the shoulder] Heb. they gave a back-sliding shoulder. And would not carry the Lords burden, which was sweet and easie, but would bear their own, which was heavie and grievous to the flesh, thinking to merit thereby: Which similitude is taken from yoked oxen, which shrink at the yoke and are unwilling to draw, Nehem. 9. 29. Hos. 4. 16. Zeph. 3. 9.

stopped their eares] Heb. made heavy.

V. 12. his spirit] Which declareth that they rebelled not onelyonly against the Prophets, but against the Spirit of God that spake in them, as Act. 7. 51.

by the former Prophets] Heb. by the hand of.

a great wrath] A great punishment, the effect of great anger and displeasure.

V. 13. come to passe] By a just and equall retaliation.

as he cried] By his Prophets early and late calling them to repent and amend.

they would not heare] Obey his voice and reforme their manners.

they cryed] Pro. 1. 28. Isa. 1. 15. Jer. 11. 11. and 14. 12. In their calamities for help and succour.

I would not heare] Relieve and comfort them, but left them helplesse in the hand of their enemies.

V. 14. after them] After they have been carried away out of it.

for they laid] They have been the cause that their fine and pleasant countrey hath been laid wast.

pleasant land] Heb. land of desire.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 1. VVOrd of the LORD] It appeareth by ver. 19. that this is a continuation of Gods answer to the question concerning the said fasts.

V. 2. I was jealous for Zion] Chap. 1. 14.

with great jealousie] I loved my citie with a singular love, so that I could not abide that any should do her any injurie. Or lest she should sinne by keeping these fasts.

V. 3. shall be called a citie of truth] Isa. 1. 26. Or, of loyaltie.

V. 4. There shall yet old men] I will blesse the inhabitants of Jerusalem with peace, and health, and long life. A figure of the spirituall blessings of the Church, as Isa. 65. 20. 22.

his staffe in his hand] A signe of a prosperous estate, wherein men are not cut off untimely by warres and such like calamities See 1 Sam. 2. 31. Lam. 2. 20, 21, 22. & 5. 11, 12, 13, 14.

for very age] Heb. for multitude of dayes.

V. 6. marvellous in the eyes] Or, hard, or difficult. He sheweth wherein our faith standeth, that is, to beleeve God can performe that which he hath promised, though it seeme never so impossible to man, Gen. 18. 14. Luk. 18. 27. Rom. 4. 20.

V. 7. save my people] That is, the scattered Jews.

from the east-countrey] From all quarters of the world, where they have been dispersed: which by Synecdoche are meant by the rising and setting of the Sunne, as appears Psal. 133. 3. Mal. 1. 11. Psal. 50. 1.

the west-countrey] Heb. the▪ countrey of the going downe of the sunne.

V. 8. in truth and in righteousnesse] Faithfully performing my promise which I have made to them in my Covenant: and enlarging my bounty towards them, which is often signified by the word righteousnesse. See Hos. 2. 19.

V. 9. Let your hands be strong] Hag. 2. 4. Let neither respect of your private commodities, neither counsell of others, nor feare of enemies discourage you in the going forward with the building of the Temple.

these words by the mouth] Promises and exhortations.

prophets] Haggai and Zechariah, who at this time prophecied to the Jew…s.

in the day that the foundation] What that day was, we have it related, Ezr. 3. 8.

V. 10. there was no hire for man] Or, the hire of man became nothing, &c. Mens and beasts labour was in vain, by reason of the curse which I laid upon your carelesnesse in restoring my service, Hag. 1. 6. 10. and 2. 15.

I set all men] I suffered the land to be full of robberies, and enemies incursions.

V. 11. But now I will] Seeing you have chearefully gone on to the reedifying of my Temple.

V. 12. For the seed shall be] I will set down the true occasions and means of a true and perfect peace: and will cause it to encrease and multiply. See Psal. 72. 3.

prosperous] Heb. of peace.

the vine shall give her fruit] Joel 2. 22.

V. 13. a curse among the heathen] A forme of execration and cursing; as thus (God do to me, or thee as he hath done to the Jews, or, God make thee like a Jew) or the like, making their calamitie a pattern for any fearfull imprecation. See Deut. 28. 37. Jer. 24. 9 and 29. 18. 22. & 42. 18. Psal. 83. 11. & 102. 8.

be a blessing] A forme to be used in blessing of others: as the like, Ruth 4. 11, 12. See Zeph. 3. 20.

fear not] Cast no doubt, mistrust not your own weaknesse, nor your enemies strength, &c. but go on in the work and be confident of Gods aide.

V. 14. I repented not] I changed not my mind, because they changed not their evill courses, but did as I forethought and forethreatened. And the Jews had found by experience, that thus farre God was as good as his word.

V. 16. Speak ye every man the truth] Ephes. 4. 25.

execute the judgement of truth and peace] Heb. judge truth, and the judgement of peace.

V. 19. The fast] This is the principall answer to the question which was pr…pounded in the former Chapter, containing a promise of changing the state of the Church.

of the fourth monethmonth] Appointed for a remembrance for the taking of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, which was in this monethmonth, Jer. 52. 6, 7.

and the fast of the fifth] For the burning of the Temple, Jer. 52. 12, 13. Zach. 7. 5.

fast of the seventh] For the death of Gedaliah, Jer. 41. 1, &c. Zach. 7. 5.

the fast of the tenth] For the siege laid before Jerusalem, Jer. 52. 4.

feasts] Heb. solemn, or set times.

love the truth] If you desire to have these good things come to passe.

V. 20. there shall come people] A prophecie of the calling of the Gentiles.

V. 21. Let vsus go] Isa. 2. 3. Mic. 4. 1, 2.

speedily] Or, continually. Heb. going.

to pray before the LORD] Heb. to intreat the face of the LORD.

I will go also] Every one was as forward to serve God himselfe, as he was desirous for an other to do it: That is true zealous charitie which neither leaveth others behind, nor thrusteth others before it.

V. 22. in Jerusalem] Typically, because at this time Gods worship being onelyonly there, all converts were to resort thither.

V. 23. In those dayes] Of the publication of the Gospel.

ten men shall take hold] That is, many, as Gen. 31. 41. Levit. 26. 26. Job 19. 3. of the nations should embrace the true religion which in former times was restrained within the nation of the Jewes, according to that prophecie, Gen. 9. 27. fulfilled in time of the Messiah, when the Gentiles fetched religion from Jerusalem; Sems tents, Gen. 14. 18. Heb. 7. 1. whence the Gospel sounded forth. See Isa. 2. 3.

God is with you] 1 Cor. 14. 25.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. BUrden of the word] A Prophecie of threatnings and curses. See Isa. 13. 1. Jer. 23. 33.

of Hadrach] It was an idol of the Syrians, which represented the Sunne. The name signifieth, the onelyonly King: to which they added a Goddesse, called by Authours, Atergatis: which signifieth, onelyonly Queen; and that represented the earth: both of them were figured with Sunne beames, the King downwards, and the Queen upwards: and their chief temple was in Hierapolis, a citie of Syria. And the Prophet calleth the countrey, by the name of the chief idol of it; as Isa. 8. 8. Jer. 48. 46. Hos. 10. 5.

and Damascus shall be the rest thereof] Isa. 8. 4. & 17. 1. Jer. 49. 23. Amos 1. 3. A principall Citie of Syria, upon whose strength and wealth the whole countrey depended: in which also the people took their pleasure, with all securitie. Others, these threatenings shall fall, and be executed upon Damascus: namely, by Alexander the Great, who conquered all these nations.

when the eyes of man] Heb. For the Lords eye is upon man, as on all the Tribes of Israel. He giveth a reason why the words of the Prophet were directed also to heathen nations▪ namely, because Gods providence doth not govern his people alone, but the whole world; for God hath an eye upon all men. See Chap. 3. 9. & 4. 10. & 5. 6.

V. 2. And Hamath also shall border thereby] Heb. And he also shall border Hamath thereby. Meaning, that eye of providence shall limit, that is, shall stay the course of the power, conquests, and enterprises of Hamath, chiefe citie of Syria. See Isa. 7. 8, 9. Jer. 49. 23.

Tyrus and Zidon] Two famous Sea towns of Phoenicia.

be very wise] In worldly wisdome, which is attributed to the Tyrians, Ezek. 28. 3. 4. 12 17. upon which those cities founded their subsistence and greatnesse.

V. 3. and heaped up silver as the dust] Which abundance of treasure it was not hard for the Tyrians to gather together, considering the long and great trade which all nations of the world used there, as is largely described, Ezek. 27.

V. 4. Behold] Isa. 23. 1.

devoured with fire] That is, consumed: a Metaphor from ravenous beasts: Though Tyrus was seated in the midst of the waters, yet she shall be devoured with fire: If God kindle the flame, nothing shall quench it.

V. 5. Ashkelon shall see it] Cities of the Philistims, enemies of Gods people: even after their returne from captivitie: and therefore were destroyed at the last by Alexander the Great.

V. 6. a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod] A mingled multitude of strange nations gathered together.

V. 7. I will take away his bloud] Heb. blouds. I will make that they shall no more devoure my people.

his abominations from between his teeth] That is, abominable spoyles.

but he that remaineth] That little remainder of my people, which escaped from the enemies violence, shall be gathered together by God, and held as part of his people, as a commonalty thereof, governed by it head, as the other commonalties of Judah were. See Judg. 6. 15. Mi… 5. 2.

Ekron] The Philistims shall be utterly destroyed, as the Jebusites were by David, 2 Sam 5. 6. Or shall be slaves and tributaries and appointed to destruction, as the Jebusites, and the rest of the Canaanites were.

V. 8. And I will encamp] Chap. 2. 5.

no oppressour shall passe] They shall no more be tyrannized over, nor exacted upon, as they have been heretofore.

now have I seene with mine eyes] I have turned my favourable countenance toward her, and have taken her into my protection.

V. 9. Rejoyce greatly] Isa. 62. 11. Matth. 21. 5. Joh. 12. 15.

O daughter of Zion] O universall Church.

thy king cometh] A prophecie of Christs coming in the flesh: who is the everlasting King of his Church, from whom all former benefits proceeded, and were spiritually in him fully heaped up: not by worldly strength and power; but by vertue of his everlasting righteousnesse, by which he hath acquired salvation to his Church: whereof his royall, and withall most humble entrance into Jerusalem was a figure.

having salvation] Or, saving himself.

V. 10. I will cut off the chariot] The Messiah shall bring unto the Church a true and eternall spirituall peace: whence there shall not be any more preparing for warre, Psal. 46. 10. Isa. 2. 4. Hos. 2. 18. Or by his onelyonly power, without any humane means, he shall save and defend his people, Hos. 1. 7. Mic. 5. 10. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6.

peace unto the heathen] To the Gentiles he shall speak peaceably, as Psal. 85 8. & 28. 3. by publishing the Gospel of reconciliation. See Act. 10. 36, 37. Ephes. 2. 17.

his dominion] Under the figure of the countrey of Israel, confined by these ancient bounds, he notes the large extent of the universall Church; as Psal. 72. 8.

from sea even to sea] Psal. 72. 8.

V. 11. As for thee also] The same Messiah, by vertue of the same bloud, wherewith he hath reconciled mankind to God, and obtained everlasting salvation for them; hath also been the Authour of the deliverance from Babylon, and of all the other ensuing benefits.

by the bloud of thy covenant] Or, whose covenant is by bloud. Namely, the bloud of Christ, figured by the bloud which was sprinkled upon the people, Exod. 24. 8. Psal. 74. 20. Heb. 9. 19. and 13. 20.

prisoners out of the pit] Isa. 61. 1. Jer. 38. 6.

V. 12. Turn ye to the strong hold] O ye distressed Jews, that are prisoners in Babylon, to whom I have given a certain hope of return, return speedily to Jerusalem, the place of your habitation, secure under my safeguard and protection. See Dan. 11. 31. 38.

even to day] When your state seemeth miserable and deplorable.

do I declare] Make an open promise to you.

that I will render double unto thee] Farre greater then the evils which thou hast suffered, or the goods which thou hast lost, Isa. 61. 7.

V. 13. When] Or▪ For.

I have bent Judah for me] I will make use of my own people, to overthrow my enemies: and especially the Kingdomes of Egypt and Syria, which were possessed by Alexanders successours, who were Grecians. A Prophecie fulfilled in the Maccabees, who delivered the Jews from the tyranny of those two Kingdomes; as appears by the books of the Maccabees, and Josephus in his his history of the Jews.

V. 14. be seen …ver them] Gods powerfull protection of hi… people shall be apparent: like as when he shewed himself over the Israelites in the cloud, Exod. 14. 19. 24.

with whirlwinds of the south] This may not unfitly be interpreted of those tempests, wherewith God overthrew the Egyptians at the red Sea, southwards of Judea: which how dreadfull they were, not onelyonly in thunderings, lightnings, and horrible raine, but also in outragious winds; see Psal. 77. 16, 17, 18. Exod. 15. 10. Or, of Gods judgements upon the Greeks, Gog and Magog, and the Israelites victories; read Ezek. Ch. 38. & 39. 2 Mac. 2. 21, 22. & 5. 2, 3. & 10. 28, 29, 30. & 11. 8. 10. Which shew that God did manifest his powerfull presence to these distressed in very extraordinary manner.

V. 15. shall defend them] His people, and the children of Sion, ver. 13.

they shall devour] They shall enjoy my blessing: by power of which they shall be able to overcome all their enemies.

subdue with sling-stones] Or, subdue the stones of the sling.

make a noise] Hereby is described the Jews freenesse, and courage in setting upon their enemies.

shall be filled like bo…ls] Or, shall fill both the bowls, &c.

filled] With the spoils of their enemies, and every good thing.

bowls] Which were used to take in the bloud of the sacrifices, which alwayes fell in great plenty from the Altar, where it was powred out.

V. 16. stones of a crown] There shall be Trophies erected every where, by reason of their great victories obtained over their enemies.

V. 17. For how great] The grace and the glory of God shall marvellously shew it self in the salvation of his, Psal. 84. 12. and 31. 19.

corn shall make] The blessings of God corporall and spirituall, shall make his people fruitfull or eloquent in praise, as Isa. 57. 19.

cheerfull] Or, grow, or speak.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. ASk ye of the LORD] O ye Jews, which have now again settled your selves in the right way of serving God, since the reedifying of the Temple; do but make your prayers to him, and he will hear you.

rain in the time] See Deut. 11. 14. Under which blessing all others are understood.

bright clouds] Or, lightnings. Signes and forerunners of raine, Psal. 135. 7. Jer. 10. 13.

V. 2. For the, &c.] The meaning is: Direct your prayers to God, who will really blesse you: and not to the idols, who have alwayes deceived you.

idols have spoken vanitie] Jer. 10. 8. Habak. 2. 18. Heb. teraphims.

they comfort in vain] Job 13. 4.

were troubled] Or, answered that, &c.

there was no shepherd] Your Temporall and Ecclesiasticall governours have not performed their duties; but have been perverted, Jer. 23. 11. Ezek. 34. 2.

V. 3. punished] Heb. visited upon.

the goats] The cruel governours which did oppresse the poore sheep, Ezek. 34. 16, 17. Others, the heads and great ones, upon whom God powred out his greatest vengeance, by means of the …haldeans, Jer. 39. 6.

for the LORD of hosts] Now that the Lord hath turned his favourable countenance towards his people, he hath endowed them with valour and strength: so that of sheep they are now become a great warre horse; with which the Lord will overcome and trample down his enemies. Which may in part be understood of the Maccabees victories: but most perfectly of the whole Churches victories over the world and the devill, Cant. 1. 9.

V. 4. Out] Or, From. On God dependeth all mans strength: whether it be to bear up themselves, as corner stones do bear up the building: or as nails do hold fast tents: or be it to defend themselves by open strength, which is meant by the bow.

oppressour together] All manner of oppression done by other men is also a part of Gods provid…nce.

V. 5. in the mire of the streets] Psal 18. 42.

the riders on horses] Or, they shall make the riders on horses ashamed. The powerfull enemies, who are well appointed and provided for warre.

V. 6. house of Joseph] Namely, the ten Tribes; the chiefe whereof wa… Ephraim, descended from Joseph: that is to say, all true Israelites according to the spirit.

V. 8. I will hisse for them] I will call them by my Gospel, as from afarre off, into my Church. See Isa. 5. 26. & 7. 18.

for I have redeemed them] Or, for I will redeem them.

V. 9. I will sow them among the people] Scatter them abroad into exile and captivitie: where I will notwithstanding preserve them, and their posteritie▪ not to let them perish utterly.

and turn again] Namely, from the spirituall Babylon, which is the world, and the kingdome of Satan, unto the true Jerusalem, and to the land of promise, which is the Church of Christ: as Hos. 1. 11. whereof their return from Babylon was a type and a figure.

V. 10. I will bring them again] Isa. 11. 11.

shall not be found for them] In which signification that word is found, Josh. 17. 16. Num. 11. 22. Judg. 21. 14. A figurative amplification, for to set forth the innumerable multitude of the faithfull: as Isa. 49. 20.

V. 11. he shall passe through the sea] He will miraculously deliver his Church. He alludeth to the deliverance of the people out of Egypt, when the Angel smote the flouds and rivers. See Isa. 11. 15.

the river shall drie up] Namely, Nil…s.

the pride of Assyria shall be brought down] To wit, all the enemies represented by these two nations, Seleucidae and Lagidae, which had most oppressed the Church.

V. 12. and they shall walk] Mic. 4. 5.

up and down in his name] Attending upon him, his word, and service, which he hath manifested unto them.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. OPen thy doores] A Prophecie of the last destruction of Jerusalem and the Jews, by the Romanes, because they had rejected the Messiah: Now because Lebanon was the confine of the countrey on that side where the Romanes made their chiefe inroade or invasion; it is here brought in as opening the gates of Judea.

devoure thy cedars] This may be understood either literally, because the Romanes did almost destroy the whole forest of Lebanon, to employ the trees to the besieging of Jerusalem▪ as Isa. 14. 8. Or figuratively, for the most powerfull and flourishing citie of Jerusalem, as Isa. 2. 17. Ezek. 17. 3.

V. 2. Howl firre-tree] If the noblest plants have been spoiled, the inferiour ones must not look to be spared▪ which may also be understood of the lesser cities and holds, which were about Jerusalem.

mightie] Or, gallants.

the forest of the vintage is come down] Or de…enced forest▪ Seeing that Lebanon was destroyed, which was the strongest munition, the weaker places could not think to hold out.

V. 3. of the shepherds] Namely, of the governours of Jerusalem, who in stead of being shepherds to feed the people, were ravenous lionesses, Ezek. 19. 2, 3.

the pride of Jordan is spoiled] That is, the proud and numerous nation of the Jewes, likened to the yeerly overflowing of Jordan: whereof see Josh. 3. 15. Jer. 12. 5. & 49. 19.

V. 4. Thus saith the LORD my God] That is, unto his Sonne, the eternall shepherd of his Church, Heb. 13. 20. 1 Pet. 5. 4. to whom it is given of the Father to governe, and to guard his people, oppressed by powerfull and profane ones, unto the time prefixed of their totall dissipation, for their ingratitude.

V. 5. possessours slay them] Namely, any one that hath any right over my people, either by conquest of warre, or otherwise.

and hold themselves not guilty] They do it, and are not punished for it. See Jer 2. 3. & 50. 7.

they that sell them] Namely, they that make merchandize of them, as of poor slaves.

Blessed be the LORD] They do profanely boast of the power that God hath given them over his people, as of an expresse blessing. See Deut. 29. 19. Hos. 12. 8.

V. 6. For I will no more pity] O my Sonne doe thou exercise this charge of shepherd over this people, during the prefixed time of my patience: after which time I will utterly destroy them for their rebellion, and ingratitude.

I will deliver the men every one into his neighbours hand] Heb. make to be found every one at the hand of his neighbour and at the hand of his king. He seemeth to signifie the frequent seditions, and civill troubles of the Jews, about the time of their last desolation.

his king] Namely, the Romane Emperour, whom they shall have accepted for their King, rejecting my Sonne, Joh. 19. 15.

V. 7. I will feed] Or, I fed.

even you, O poore] Or, verily the poore. Namely, my poore Church, and Jewish nation, no way comparable in greatnesse, and power, to other Nations, and Empires of the world: and brought very low by her calamities. See Isa. 14. 32. Zeph. 3. 12. Zach. 13. 7.

two staves] A figure of the two wayes that Christ useth at all times in feeding of his Church: The one by guiding them lovingly by his Word and Spirit: The other by severely punishing them, by the cruell hand of their enemies. See Isa. 10. 5.

Bands] Or, binders.

V. 8. Three shepherds] Whereby he sheweth his care and diligence that he would suffer them to have no evill rulers, because they should consider his great love. Some by these three shepherds, mean three chief Empires, which had tyrannized over Gods people, Jer. 6. 3. & 12. 10. namely, of the Chaldeans, Persians, and Greeks, whole, and parted, which were destroyed by the Sonne of God, Dan. 2. 45. Others mean by them, three sects of Jewish Doctors; Pharisees, Sadduces, and Essenes; which three Christ was to destroy.

cut off in one monethmonth] Namely, in a short space of time, as Hos. 5. 7.

my soul] I was sorie, and vexed at my peoples disloyaltie, and ingratitude: who did likewise beginne neither to love nor respect me.

lothed them] Heb. was straitned for them.

V. 9. I will not feed you] A representation of the rejection of the Jewes, for rejecting salvation offered them by the Messiah; as if he should say, I will not feed you, O ungratefull Jews: Meaning, the Gospel should be taken from them.

that that dieth] Jer. 15. 2.

of another] Heb. of his fellow, or neighbour.

V. 10. covenant which I had made] The peace that I had granted to my Church, that she should be no more assaulted, nor molested by any strange Nation: which was verified from the Maccabees time, untill a little before the coming of Christ.

V. 11. so the poore of the flock] Or, the poore of the flock, &c. certainly knew. Namely, my elect, which remained of my people, who humbly beleeved my promises, and gave obedience to my commandements, did acknowledge the time of my visitations; and that the warres moved by the Romanes were effects of my providence, according to the ancient prophecies.

V. 12. And I said unto them] By the figure of a shepherd who demands his wages, is shewed the Jews horrible ingratitude, who in stead of a full acknowledgement of Christ did deale with the traitor Judas, to have Christ put into their hands for thirty pieces of silver, Matth. 26. 15. & 27. 9.

If ye think good] Heb. If it be good in your eyes.

weighed for my price] Matth. 26. 15.

V. 13. And the LORD said unto me] God my Father did so detest their ingratitude that he would have these thirtie pieces, through Judas despaire and despight, to be thrown into the Temple, and employed to a profane use, and to be no more laid up into the holy treasury.

potter] Matth. 27. 9, 10.

price that I was prised at of them] Because that the injurie done to my Sonne redoundeth to me, who had before governed them by him. See Joh. 5. 23.

V. 14. Then I cut asunder mine other staff] Whereby is meant, that Christ would not onelyonly governe his people any more in mildnesse, and clemencie, nor exercise his shepherdly severity in saving corrections, and visitations, as he had done in former times: but that he would altogether reject them.

Bands] Or, binders.

that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel] Taking away from the Jews, according to the flesh, the title of being my Church, and my people: whereas before, Israel the people of God, and Judah had been the same thing in name and in effect: and I will take unto me the Israel, which is according to the spirit: namely, all true beleevers: and will reject the carnall Judah.

V. 15. unto me] Namely, unto me Zachariah: by a figure of the peoples evill government, by their own heads, Priests, Doctors, and others, into whose power the Lord delivered them for a punishment, because they had rejected Christ.

V. 16. a shepherd in the land] A government, which shall be uniforme in wickednesse, and depravation, though it be administred by severall persons, which God had suffered to raise themselves to that dignitie, and authoritie.

cut off] Or, hidden.

feed] Or, hear.

tear their claws in pieces] As they use to do in the slaughterhouses, for to devoure up all: Or worse then ravening beasts, who alwaies leave some foot or bone, Amos 3. 12.

V. 17. Wo the the idol shepherd] Jer. 23. 1. Ezek. 34. 2. Joh. 10. 12.

the sword] Namely, the punishment of my judgements.

his arm] By the arme he signifieth strength, as he doth wisdome and judgement by the eye: that is, the plague of God shall take away both thy strength and judgement.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. BƲrden of the word of the LORD] The Prophecie uttered by Gods permission.

for Israel] Concerning the victories which God hath given unto his Church collected of Jewes and Gentiles, which by the Apostle is called the Israel of God, Gal. 6. 16.

which stretcheth forth the heavens] Isa. 42. 5.

V. 2. Jerusalem] My Church, being set upon by her enemies, shall be an occasion that I will strike them with amazement, so that they shall not be able to bring their designes to any happy end: but shall be the causes of their own ruine, Isa. 51. 17. 22. Jer. 51. 7.

trembling] Or, slumber, or poison.

when they shall be, &c.] Or, and also against Judah shall he be which shall be in siege against Jerusalem.

in the siege] In the very instant that they were ready to do their best and last endevours.

V. 3. a burdensome stone] The Ancients observe, that this is taken from an exercise or game which was very frequent in Judea: namely, to take up a great round stone, to trie ones strength, lifting it up from the ground; sometimes to their knees, sometimes to their navils, sometimes to their shoulders, and sometimes as high as their heads: at which sport sometimes they did grievously hurt themselves. The meaning is, the enemies of the Church shall strive, and endevour who shall be able to doe her most hurt: but the stoutest and valiantest of them all shall be overcome. See Matth. 21. 44.

V. 4. I will smite every horse] I will take away strength and understanding from mine enemies. See Psal. 76. 6, 7.

V. 5. the governours of Judah shall say in their heart] All the governours of the Church shall hearten on the faithfull to fight this good fight of faith.

The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength] Or, There is strength to me and to the inhabitants, &c.

V. 6. governours of Judah] The Apostles and Evangelists, by the preaching of the Gospel, shall inflame the whole world with persecutions and dissentions, Luk. 12. 49. by the which in the end the enemies shall come to ruine, and the Church shall be established, Obad. 18.

V. 7. shall save the tents of Judah first] The meaning is, Christs salvation shall first be proffered to the poore and weak, like to the tents of those poore Jewes, which lived in the fields, and were not comparable to Jerusalem, which was a royall and strong citie, belonging to the house of David: That is to say, the Kings and great ones shall be last converted: as the event did verifie it under the Gospel: to shew the prerogative of mean ones with God. See Jam. 2. 5.

V. 8. and he that is, &c.] The weak and feeble shall by Gods Spirit be strengthened, and confirmed in heroicall and divine vertues, as David was▪ See Joel 3. 10.

feeble] Or, abject. Heb. fallen.

the house of David] Namely, the Princes of the bloud Royall, who were also chiefe officers of the Crowne: by which are meant the Apostles, to whom should be given so much grace, majestie, authoritie, strength, and truth, that they should be respected as Gods and Angels in the world, rather then men. See Gal. 4. 14.

V. 10. And] Joel 2. 28.

I will poure upon the house of David] A Prophecie of the last conversion of the Jews. Whereof see Matth. 23. 39. Rom. 11. 26. 2 Cor. 3. 16.

the spirit of grace] The presence, the operation, and the gifts of Christs Spirit, which is given through grace: and is the seale and earnest of Gods grace in them: and doth alone produce in beleevers, holy and acceptable prayers, Rom. 8. 25, 26.

they shall look upon me] That is, they shall turne to me by saith.

whom they have pierced] See Psal. 22. 16. Matth. 27. 35. Joh. 19. 34.

and they shall mourn for him] They shall be exceedingly grieved for the misdoings of their forefathers. See Jer. 3. 21. Acts 2. 37. And that they themselves had crucified him by their sinnes.

for his onelyonly sonne] Jer. 6. 26. Amos 8. 10.

V. 11. mourning in Jerusalem] Acts 2. 37.

as the mou…ning of Hadadrimmon] It is likely that he hath relation to those solemn lamentations, which were appointed for Josias his death, who was slain in the field of Megiddo, 2 Chron. 35. 22. And it seemeth that Hadadrimmon was some citie or strong hold in the same field, made mention of onelyonly, Zach. 14. 10.

V. 12. the land shall mourn] That is, in all places where the Jews shall remain.

every family] Heb. families, families.

apart] Signifying that mourning or repentance should not be a vain ceremonie: but every one touched with his own grief shall lament.

the family of the house of David apart] Circumstances taken from the manner of publike mournings: in which they used to shut themselves up in their houses, with their families, and refrained the company of women, and all manner of delightfull conversation. See Num. 20. 29.

the house of Nathan apart] That is, of the stock which descended from David, from whom came Zerubbabel, who was nearest to the Crown after the line of Solomon was extinguished. See 2 Sam. 5. 14. Luk. 3. 27. 31.

V. 13. Shimei apart] It seemeth that it was some familie of the Levites, 1 Chron. 6. 17. & 23. 10. And the Prophet doth in this manner specifie these families, whereof some had held Temporall, some Ecclesiasticall offices: to shew, that as the Church and State were united, and joyned in persecuting of Christ, and in putting him to death; so they should joyntly repent for it.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. IN that day] Namely, when the Messiah shall come into the world.

a fountain opened to the house of David] Namely, the grace of God in the remission of sinnes, and regeneration of the spirit shall be proffered to all beleevers in Christ. A figure taken from the waters of the Temple, and the washings according to the Law. And an allusion unto that, Joh. 19. 34.

uncleannesse] Heb. separation for uncleannesse.

V. 2. I will cut off] Exod. 23. 13. Psal. 16. 4. Ezek. 30. 13. Hos. 2. 17.

the names of the the idols out of the land] He promiseth that God will also purge them from all superstition, and that their religion shall be pure.

the prophets] Namely, the false prophets, by which are meant all seducers and teachers of lies.

unclean spirit to passe out of the land] That is, the devils wicked and unclean inspirations. The devill is called an unclean spirit, Matth. 12. 43. Mar. 1. 26. For he is the authour of all errour and lying, Joh. 8. 44. and also of that corruption which is brought into the true and heavenly doctrine, the which is signified, Revel. 16. 13.

V. 3. yet prophecie] A representation of the Spirit of knowledge, discretion, and zeale in Christs true Church, to discerne false doctrines, and to oppose them. Figurative termes, taken from that which was commanded against false Prophets, Deut. 13. 5, 6, 9 & 17. 2, &c.

V. 4. the prophets shall be ashamed] All false doctrine and worship of former times, shall be removed by the cleare light of the Gospel.

wear a rough garment] Heb. a garment of hair. They shall not dare to counterfeit the true Prophets, who used to wear such kind of garments, 2 King. 1. 8. Isa. 20. 2. Matth. 3. 4.

to deceive] Heb. to lie.

V. 5. I am no prophet] They shall confesse their former ignorance, and be content to labour for their living.

V. 6. one shall say unto him] If it appears that he hath passed through the Churches discipline, because he hath been a seducer, he shall confesse it, and give God the glory, approving of the Churches severitie, used for his correction. A representation of the wonderfull power of the Spirit and light of God, in convincing and correcting the Ministers of errour. See Act. 8. 13. & 19. 18, 19.

V. 7. Awake, O sword] True it is that for a time my Church shall be an enemy to all manner of false doctrine, and false teachers. But there shall likewise come a time, in which, by my secret providence, Christs true Ministers, according as he himselfe was slain by the Jews, for a false Prophet, shall also be persecuted and slain; whence shall follow a great dispersion of beleevers, and of Churches in the world. He seemeth to have an especiall relation to the times of Antichrist.

my shepherd] Christ, as well in his own person, as in the persons of his faithfull ministers.

my fellow] To shew the unitie of essence, and union of the will of the Father and of the Sonne the Mediatour. See upon Isa. 5. 1. Jer. 11. 15. Joh. 10. 30. & 17. 22.

smite the shepherd] Matth. 26. 31. Mar. 14. 27.

I will turn mine hand] In the generall dispersion, I will gather together, and preserve mine elect, who are poore and weake according to the world. See Chap. 11. 7. 11. Matth. 18. 10. 14. Jam. 2. 5.

V. 8. two parts therein shall be cut off] The greatest part of the world which beare the name of Christians, shall follow errours, and shall perish. See Revel. 13. 14. & 17. 18. Or of the Jewes remaining after Christs passion, two parts shall be destroyed, the third part escaping.

the third part shall be left therein] Namely, the elect, which are the lesser number.

V. 9. I will bring the third part through the fire] I will by the faith and constancie of those few that escape by many afflictions. See Chap. 14. 2.

refine them as silver is refined] Dan. 11. 35. & 12. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 6, 7.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. DIvided in the midst of thee] He armeth the godly against the great temptations that should come before they enjoyed this prosperous estate, promised under Christ, that when these dangers should come they might know that they were warned of them before.

V. 2. I will gather all nations] That is, the Romanes, Lords of all nations.

and the citie shall be taken] Here the last destruction of Jerusalem is more plainly described then before, when God would execute against her his last judgements for the sinnes of the Jewes, but especially for slaying the chief shepherd, and Authour of life, Christ his Sonne, Act. 2. 22, 23. & 13. 15.

half of the citie shall go forth into captivitie] God shall suffer a great part of his people to be discomfited and subdued.

and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the citie] To wit, they which before the siege went out of the citie, and betook themselves to Pella. See on Chap. 13. 8, 9.

V. 3. go forth] God, who before this time had been the keeper of the Jewish nation and their citie, shall now leave his holy places, Temple and citie, and hold it as given over and forsaken: and also get him to another place; namely, unto the enemies besieging the citie. See Josephus seventh book of the warres of the Jews, Chap. 12.

and fight against those nations] Heb. In the middle of, or among those nations gathered against Jerusalem, not as an enemie or adversarie, but as a helper: neither will he sight against the Jews lightly, but earnestly and stoutly, as he did for Gideon, and divers others, Judg. 7. 22. Isa. 9. 4. & 10. 26. 2 King. 19. 25.

V. 4. upon the mount of Olives] Look in what place some fourtie years before the Jews took Christ, and brought him unto most cruell torments, in the selfe same place God himselfe stood to punish them most sharply, and as they had deserved: that Christ was taken in mount Olivet, see Joh. 18. Matth. 26. 30.

a very great valley] So that out of all the parts of the world they shall see Jerusalem, which was before hid with this mountaine: and this he meaneth of the spirituall Jerusalem the Church, according to the prophecie, Isa. 66. 23. which Text sheweth an utter abolishing of Moses ceremonies: seeing all nations cannot come every week to Jerusalem.

V. 5. yee shall flee to the the valley] All you beleevers shall runne unto the Church, to be safe from the destruction of the world; which Church shall be extended to place… separated formerly▪ merly before the partition wall was broken down: which seemeth to be meant by the word Azal, which signifieth separation. Or, the free entrance into the Church shall be open every where, save onelyonly where Gods election hath not wrought, but hath left men, as it were, sequestred. See Isa. 4. 3.

the mountains] Or, my mountains.

for the valley of the mountains] Or, when he shall touch the valley of the mountains to the place he separated.

ye shall flee like as ye fled] This fleeing is with fear and trembling, like to that wherewith the Jews were stricken of old by reason of the earthquake, the which fell out in the dayes of Uzzias the King, as it is Amos 1. 1.

my God shall come] Because they did not credit the Prophets words, he turneth to God, and comforteth himselfe in that that he knew these things should come, and saith, Thou O God, with thine Angels, wilt come to performe this great thing, Jude 14.

V. 6. clear] Heb. precious.

dark] Heb. thicknesse.

V. 7. it shall be &c.] Or, the day shall be one.

one day] Rev. 22. 5. To wit, one perpetuall day: Me…ning, there shall be alwaies light in the Church under the Messiah, though sometimes more dimme and dark then at other times; yet alwayes some light. Or a singular day, to wit, of Christs death, when the Sunne was darkened at noone, Amos 8. 9. and so remained three houres, Matth. 27. 45.

which shall be] Or, which is. The Lord who from all eternitie knows what shall be in time, will have regard that still light be preserved in his Church in the evening of time, or last age of the world: for so the time of the Messiah is counted. See Heb. 1. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 20. 1 Joh. 2. 18. Or that singular day of Christs death undergoing such changes might signifie the state of the Church after from his going to heaven to his comming to judgement.

evening-time it shall be light] Isa. 60. 19. Revel. 21. 23.

V. 8. that living waters shall go] Ezek. 47. 1. Joel 3. 18. Revel. 22. 1. Namely, the graces and gifts of Gods Spirit in this world, and his glory in the heavenly life, shall be powred out upon his elect for ever.

from Jerusalem] Agreeable to that of Ezra 2. 3. for from thence the Gospel came into the world, described under the name of two seas well known to the Jews, whose waters are made wholesome by these living waters: and by a description of divers places of Judea, he signifieth nothing but a generall powring on all sides, and on all men.

former sea] Or, eastern.

in winter shall it be] Those waters shall never be dried up, as your summer streames are. See Job 6. 16. 17.

V. 9. the LORD shall be king over all the earth] The Sonne of God shall alone be acknowledged and worshipped for everlasting King of the world.

V. 10. All the land] Figurative termes, taken from the hilly situation of Judea▪ to signifie, that all worldly height shall be beaten down, and the Church alone shall be glorified, …s Isa. 2. 2. Zach. 4. 7.

turned] Or, compassed.

Gebah to Rimmon] Gebah and Rimmon were two confines of Judah, the one towards the North, and the other towards the South, Josh. 15. 32. 57.

inhabited] Or, shall abide.

from Benjamins gate] By a similitude taken from the precinct of the earthly Jerusalem; as Jer. 31. 38. he doth imply a perfect reestablishment of the Church in all parts of it.

place of the first gate] It seemeth he meaneth the fish-gate, which was over against the second gate, Jer. 39. 3. Zeph. 1. 10. and so he mentioneth the whole circuit of Jerusalem: Benjamins gate was on the North-east side: from thence going to the corner gate, which was on the North-west side, they went along by the fish-gate: and from Hananiels tower, which was on the same side as Benjamins gate, they went the other compasse, from the South, to the Kings wine-presses, which were on the West side, where these two halfe circles did meet to make up a whole circle or compasse.

unto the corner-gate] See 2 Chron. 26. 9. perhaps there was some tower there to make the corners.

V. 11. shall be safely inhabited] Or, shall abide.

V. 12. be the plague] It is like that here is a description of the eternall punishment of the wicked.

they stand upon their feet] Though he subsist, and live, and shall not die, yet he shall be tormented everlastingly, still outliving his paine: having no end, that his paine may also be endlesse.

their eyes shall consume away in their holes] Though they be alive, and can see, yet shall they be deprived of light, in infernall darknesse, having neither eyes, nor understanding, but onelyonly to see and judge of their extreme miserie.

their tongue shall consume away] See Luk. 16. 24.

V. 13. in that day] Of Gods victory over his enemies.

they shall lay hold] God shall cause them to fight one against an other as in the battell of Midian, Judg. 7. 22. against the Philistims sending a sudden fear among them, 1 Sam. 14. 15. 20. and Christ foretold the like, Matt. 24. 7.

V. 14. Judah also shall] Or, thou also, O Judah, shalt. The carnall and unbeleeving Jews shall also be enemies to Christs true Church.

at Jerusalem] Or, against.

gold, and silver] The Church shall plentifully and abundantly be inriched with the spoyles of her enemies; as God made his people wealthy with the spoyls of the Egyptians.

V. 15. the plague of the horse] God shall not onelyonly destroy his enemies, vers. 12. but even all the means and instruments they used for to afflict the Church: so hatefull to God and cursed of him are all instruments of idolatry. See Isa. 30. 22.

V. 16. that every one] God shall save some among the enemies, whom he shall cause to turn to his true spirituall service, described here as in a shadow, by the ceremoniall service of the Law, as Isa. 66. 23.

to keep the feast of tabernacles] Levit. 23. 34. A figure of the elects gathering together into particular churches in this world: to which every one must reduce himselfe, to partake of the communion of Saints, and of Gods grace. This feast is called Joh. 7. 2. Skenopegia, a pitching of tents, or setting up of boothes, Deut. 16. 16. which the Jews kept in remembrance of Gods favour to them in the wildernesse, where they dwelt in boothes, Levit. 23. 43. and to shew their thankfulnesse for the fruits of the earth, reaped in this monethmonth, Deut. 16. 13, 14. and to figure out the coming of Christ into the world at this time of of the year, to dwell in the …abernacle of our flesh, Joh. 1. 14.

V. 17. upon them shall be no rain] God shall impart none of his blessings to them.

V. 18. family of Egypt go not up] Which was the ancientest enemy of the Church▪ which also seemed not to have much reason to feare the foresaid want of rain, because of the yearly overflowing of Nilus: but therefore, in stead of that, it is threatened with everlasting burnings, vers. 12.

that have no] Heb. upon whom there is not.

V. 19. punishment] Or, sinne.

the feast of tabernacles] At this feast Solomons Temple (a figure of Christs body, Joh. 2. 19. 21.) was dedicated with great solemnity, and the Ark brought into it, 2 Chron. 5. 2, 3, 7. And this feast we keep by belief in Christ that his grace is sufficient for us, and that in all our infirmities the power of Christ resteth upon us (to protect us as a tabernacle) 2 Cor. 12. 9. The first place where Israel encamped after they came out of Egypt, was called Succoth, that is, boothes, Exod. 12. 37.

V. 20. bells of the horses] Or, bridles. Having spoken of the horses overthrow, and other cattle of the enemies, vers. 15. he addeth, to make up the measure, that all their spoiles, even the very deckings of the furniture, if they were of metall, should be consecrated to God, to make utensils for his service: wherein he seems to have relation to that which Gideon did, Judg. 8. 26. The meaning is, God shall convert to his service in his Church, all such things, as before were employed against him.

the pots in the LORD house] Made of these bosses, or bells. The meaning is, that there shall be frequent sacrifices of thankesgiving, of which, some parts were dressed in the Temple, in the kitchins belonging to it, Ezek. 46. 22, 23, 24. for the sacred feasts, 1 Sam. 2. 15. And all this must be understood of the spirituall service, which should be in the Christian Church, figured by the ancient Ceremoniall service, as Isa. 60. 7. & 66. 23. Malac. 1. 11.

bowls before the altar] Which were in very great number, for to receive the bloud of the sacrifices, and to make the sprinklings. See 2 Chron. 4. 8. Ezra 1. 9, 10.

V. 21. every pot in Jerusalem] He seemeth to mean, that the spirituall service shall be every where yeelded to God, even in the most ordinary actions of a Christians life.

shall be no more] God shall cleanse his mysticall Church, composed of true beleevers and elect, from the mixture of all profane persons. See Isa. 35. 8. Joel 3. 17.

Canaanite in the house] Isa 35. 8. Joel 3. 17. Revel. 21. 27. and 22. 15. Or Merchant: He seemeth to have a speciall relation to the abuse of merchandizing, and selling, which was used in the Temple, Matth. 21▪ 12. Joh. 2. 15.